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Current Geriatrics Reports
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports 3/2017

01-09-2017 | Geriatric Urology (H Richter, Section Editor)

Updates in the Evaluation of Older Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders

Authors: Candace Parker-Autry, Jubilee Tan

Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common among older women, and pose a unique challenge to the healthcare provider. The onset of PFDs in older women is gradual resulting from an inter-related process of anatomic, hormonal, and functional changes that occur over time and often impacted by concomitant medical co-morbid conditions. In this evidenced-based review, we provide an update on the epidemiology and provide an evidence-based approach to the evaluation of women with PFDs with a specific focus on the impact of aging.

Recent Findings

Physical function impairment is prevalent among older women with pelvic floor symptoms. The decline in physical function is likely the consequence of global changes in skeletal muscle health with aging, but may uniquely impact the pelvic floor muscle physiology and function.

Summary

Providers caring for older women with PFDs must account for the impact of the aging process on symptom presentation and evaluation.
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Metadata
Title
Updates in the Evaluation of Older Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors
Candace Parker-Autry
Jubilee Tan
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Geriatrics Reports / Issue 3/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2196-7865
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-017-0208-y

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